Most strokes are caused by an abrupt blockage of arteries leading to the brain (ischemic stroke). Other strokes are caused by bleeding into brain tissue when a blood vessel bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Because stroke occurs rapidly and requires immediate treatment, stroke is also called a brain attack. When the symptoms of a stroke last only a short time (less than an hour), this is called a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke. The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is injured, and how severely it is injured.
Strokes may cause sudden weakness, loss of sensation, or difficulty with speaking, seeing, or walking.
